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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

How much more then, could we be thankful for?


The Vinyl Cafe's Stuart McLean

I wonder how many reading this, listen to the Vinyl Cafe, with Stuart McLean, Sundays at noon on CBC radio.  I love it ... and I especially love the stories he tells.  I have several of his books as well.  One I started reading just yesterday (and which I am already over halfway through) is called, "Vinyl Cafe Turns the Page".

This question is just for those who have heard Stuart McLean read a story aloud.  When you 'read' one of his books, is there a voice in your head that sounds like Stuart?  There is for me.

Meantime I digress.

In McLean's book the "Vinyl Cafe Turns the Page" is a story called "Stamps" ... it starts with the following paragraph:
Choosing a hero is a delicate business -- one that shouldn't be taken frivolously.  For the heroes we choose, whether real or imagined, whether from the world of fact or from the pages of fiction, will determine, to a greater or lesser degree, the things we do, and if we allow them the privilege, the lives that we lead.

Why am I telling you this? 


It's because on Friday, a friend posted this to his Facebook page:
How is it that WE in our democratic societies have allowed such lack of character not only to represent us; but to lead, teach and define us. Whether it be the crude language of Trump, the atrocious actions of the Clintons, or the lewd behaviour of Trudeau. Perhaps it's time we go back to the drawing board and become obsessed, in ourselves, with the tolerance for wisdom, dignity, and honour. Let it become reflective in our judgments, not only at the ballot box, but in our day to day lives. How much more then, could we be thankful for?

Personally, I really don't believe I have heroes, however there are people living, and no longer with us, that I respect. 

Political people like Tommy Douglas ... W.A.C. Bennett ... and Stephen Harper. 

Personal friends who while I may not agree with their politics, I appreciate for their honesty, and ability to agree to disagree (you know who you are).

Musician friends I have played with in the past, and still do to this day (you also know who you are).

Co-workers ... classmates ...

As Stuart McLean said (and I'm paraphrasing here), the people we interact with can and do impact the things we do; how we act ... how we behave ... and the things we say.

Which brings me back to the other quote I had above:
Perhaps it's time we go back to the drawing board and become obsessed, in ourselves, with the tolerance for wisdom, dignity, and honour. Let it become reflective in our judgments, not only at the ballot box, but in our day to day lives. How much more then, could we be thankful for?

He's right ... wouldn't you agree?

In Kamloops, I'm Alan Forseth.

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  1. garret seinenOctober 9, 2016 at 2:20 PM

    I'd say, scratch 'the tolerance' and replace it with 'an expectation' and you'll have my agreement.

    Cheers, gs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alan ForsethOctober 9, 2016 at 2:52 PM

      Yes, "expectation" works as well. We can certainly remind ourselves, to have an expectation, that we are willing to learn and understand new things

      Delete

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